Not First Class? No Carry-Ons Or Overhead Bins For You Starting Soon

You can soon purchase cheaper tickets than ever before -- but there's a catch.

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To make prices more affordable, American Airlines has created a new ultra-low-cost Basic Economy fare class. Unfortunately, the affordability comes with a couple of restrictions.

Chiefly, the airline is prohibiting Basic Economy passengers from bringing carry-on bags or using overhead bins. The world’s largest airline announced the decision this past Wednesday, in their latest attempt to cut costs.

“American Airlines now has something to offer every customer, from those who want simple, low-price travel to those who want an ultra-premium experience via First Class,” American Airlines President Robert Isom said in a statement.

The airline will allow Basic Economy passengers to have a single personal item with them as long as they can fit it underneath their seat. However, the airline is forbidding anything requiring overhead bin space from coming on board.

According to Isom, the move will help American Airlines compete against the increasing presence of ultra-low-cost carriers in the market.

Indeed, the new fare class mimics the Basic Economy fare class policy that United Airlines announced this past November.

Like United, American Airlines will not ask flight attendants to police the rule on board the plane, a spokesperson told Business Insider. Instead, terminal gate agents will act as the policy’s enforcers.

Additionally, Basic Economy passengers will be the last ones allowed to board the airplane and will only learn what their assigned seat is when they have checked-in.

American Airlines will begin selling these Basic Economy tickets on February 10.

Unfortunately, it seems buying the cheap ticket in modern air travel now means doing without the fabulous amenities.